WhatsApp Tests Moving Channels to Chats Tab and New Poll Features
WhatsApp is testing major interface updates in beta, including moving channels into the Chats tab and enabling group creation directly from poll results.
WhatsApp is currently developing significant interface changes that will alter how users interact with chats, channels, and polls. According to recent reports from WABetainfo regarding WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.26.10.16 and WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.39.1, the messaging platform is testing the relocation of channels directly into the Chats tab.
Channel Integration and Display Options
Under the new development, status updates already appear at the top of the Chats tab for certain users, with channels designated as the next step. Currently, channels reside within the Updates tab, but WhatsApp is exploring flexible integration methods. A feature in development will prompt users to choose where they want to view their channels: within the primary chat list or archived.
For users selecting the primary chat list, WhatsApp is testing three distinct layouts:
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Direct Integration: Channels appear directly alongside regular conversations, featuring a filter tab at the top of the interface.
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Filtered View: Channels remain hidden from the main "All" view and are accessible only after tapping the channels filter.
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Folder Organization: A dedicated channels folder appears inside the main chat list to house followed channels.
New Poll Features and Group Creation
In addition to interface updates, WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature for Android beta testers that allows group creation directly from poll results. When a specific poll option receives at least two votes, users can initiate a new group containing those specific voters directly from the poll details screen.
WhatsApp is rolling out group creation from poll results! WhatsApp is introducing a feature that lets users create groups based on a specific poll option.
Furthermore, WhatsApp is testing enhanced poll customization. Creators will soon be able to permit group members to add missing options to ongoing polls or lock the choices to secure definitive results. These features are currently rolling out gradually to beta testers.
